News Release
On Sunday, Jan. 23, Burkina Faso’s armed forces detained President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré and announced they have taken control of the government. Televised news declared the parliament, government and constitution have been dissolved. Captain Sidsoré Kader Ouedraogo said the military was putting an end to Kaboré’s presidency because of Kaboré’s inability to manage the increasing Islamic insurgency. Burkina Faso’s borders are closed for air and land travel and a curfew is in place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time.
A government spokesperson assured the people of Burkina Faso that there would be no blood shed and no physical harm inflicted on those held in detention in an unknown location, "a safe place that respects their dignity."
Mennonite Mission Network partners report they are safe.
Calixte Bananzaro, president of Eglise Evangélique Mennonite du Burkina Faso (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso) requests prayers for safety and peace for the nation.
